The gaming hub for TVs and monitors from Samsung announced at CES is now available. The software allows games from cloud gaming services such as Microsoft Xbox, Nvidia GeForce Now, Google Stadia or Utomik to be streamed directly without a PC or game console. Apps for Twitch, YouTube and Spotify are also integrated.
Gaming Hub available via software update
The Gaming Hub has been available since July as part of an automatic software update for the new 2022 smart televisions and smart monitors, which are also equipped with an integrated processor and Tizen OS. Specifically, the feature is “supported on all Samsung Smart TVs from 2022”; the official Gaming Hub website lists the following models:
- 65" Neo QLED 8K QN900B (2022)
- 85" Neo QLED 8K QN800B (2022)
- 85" Neo QLED 4K QN95B (2022)
- 85" Neo QLED 4K QN90B (2022)
- 85″ QLED 4K Q60B (2022)
This means that the list of supported televisions is still very clear, older models will not be able to enjoy it. The editors are still trying to find out which “smart monitors” the new gaming hub offers, because these are missing from the manufacturer's lists. However, it is conceivable that at least the new Smart Monitor M8 generation will offer this feature.
According to Samsung, the devices feature low latencies, faster decoding and “advanced buffering control technology” for reduced input lag. The AI upscaling technology adjusts the game graphics and offers “4K and 8K resolution with high color accuracy and sharpness”.
Cloud -Gaming without PC and console
Samsung advertises direct access to popular games with no additional hardware or downloads (other than the software update for the Samsung device). All you need is a sufficiently fast internet connection, the appropriate game controller and, if necessary, a headset. The requirements for streaming, such as the required minimum bandwidth, can be found in the information provided by the respective streaming provider.
Samsung is cooperating with the cloud Gaming providers Microsoft (Xbox Cloud Gaming), Nvidia (GeForce Now), Google (Stadia) and Utomik. Just a month ago, Microsoft announced separately that Xbox Cloud Gaming, which is included with the Game Pass Ultimate subscription model, will soon also be available for Samsung televisions via a native app.